What is Android?
Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google, based on the Linux kernel and designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones. Android is now a decade old and the most popular mobile operating system in the world. You’ll find it on mobile phones, tablets and even on TVs and cars. Android is basically software that allows your hardware to function. The Android operating system (OS) gives you access to apps that are available on the Google Play Store. Android phones are highly customizable, so they can be altered to suit your personal tastes and needs. For instance, you can set your own wallpaper, themes and launchers which can completely change the look of your device’s interface. You can download apps to check social media, manage bank accounts, and play games.
How do I setup my Android phone?
The first thing you have to do to set up your Android smartphone is to create a Gmail account or use an existing one. This will allow you to download apps and use the other features that your android phone offers you. It also provides a great way to back up your contacts, save your files online and so on. So if you were to lose your phone, all of your numbers and important data will be saved in your Gmail account. Sign in with Google to view contacts in the new Android device’s address book. There is no need to transfer them over or back them up anywhere else.
What can I download from the Play Store?
There are millions of apps and games available to download from the Google Play store. They are categorized as music, camera, games, utilities, sports, books, entertainment, etc. On-screen widgets let you access certain apps from the main menu without opening them. You can create your own system of shortcuts to suit your phone.
Most of the apps in the Play store are free but there are some premium apps that you would have to pay for. Some apps have ‘lite’ versions which are free but without all the features and if you enjoy them enough, you can upgrade to the full premium version.
The same account that lets you back up your contacts can also have financial details added to it, giving you the ability to purchase content from the Google Play store directly. You can pay either by debit or credit card or even your Etisalat or du mobile account.
Does Google make their own phones?
Nexus phones are basically Google phones but in partnership with another smartphone brand. Google handles design, development, marketing, and support for Android devices, but partners handle manufacturing. Nexus phones were the first to receive updates and were considered the flagship Android devices, despite other Android phones having better features.
In 2016, Google ditched the Nexus brand name and replaced them by launching two new phones called the Pixel and Pixel XL. These phones were purely Google made. For all intents and purposes, these new phones enjoy all the same benefits as the Nexus devices did and are technically the successors to the Nexus line.
What is Android T.V?
Android TV uses software modified for TV streaming devices. For example, the Nvidia Shield TV runs on Android TV. This smart box connects to your television and offers you full access to apps, games and the web. You can even perform searches for all kinds of content.
